WACO, Texas (Aug. 14, 2013) - For some students, the end of summer marks the start of a new school year; for others, it marks the end of their school days and the beginning of their professional lives.

On Friday, Aug. 16, George W. Truett Theological Seminary students will receive their diplomas at the Paul W. Powell Chapel at Truett Seminary, 1100 S. Third St. The ceremony will be held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 17, Baylor will host its summer commencement ceremony at the Ferrell Center, located at 1900 S. University Parks Drive.

Of the nearly 400 graduating students, more than 300 will attend Saturday's ceremony and receive diplomas from Baylor President Ken Starr. Starr also will deliver the traditional charge to the graduates.

The roughly two-hour long ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m., but doors will open at 8 a.m. For those unable to attend, Baylor will provide a live streaming of the ceremony here, starting 10 minutes before the ceremony.

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, the Master of Theological Studies, or the Doctor of Ministry degrees that are centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ and consistent with historic Baptist commitments to prepare persons to carry this gospel to the churches and the world. Within the M.Div. degree program, students can choose concentrations in Biblical Studies and Theology, Christian Education, Ministry Leadership, Missions and World Christianity, Worship Leadership, Spiritual Formation, Sports Ministry, and Youth/Family/Student Ministry. Truett Seminary also offers three Dual Degree programs - a M.Div./MSW and MTS/MSW through a partnership with Baylor's School of Social Work, a M.Div./Master of Music through a partnership with the Baylor's School of Music, and a M.Div./MBA through a partnership with Baylor's Hankamer School of Business. Visit www.baylor.edu/truett to learn more.